Lived Experience Forum

[pisces_1]

I have noticed many of our calls currently are related to loneliness, grief, social anxiety, family & conflict, addiction, and financial stress.

[cloudcore]

@Rhye @pisces_1  it's definitely a tough time for many. I know for myself, I tend to experience loneliness and grief around this time of year. I'm wondering what grief looks like for you @Lani?

[Rhye]

Welcome to Topic Tuesday @Emelia8 & @Anastasia  Great to see you here this evening and looking forward to you sharing your experiences with the community around strategies for coping during the Christmas period 🎄

[Fluttershy1]

Hi @cloudcore @Rhye @pisces_1 @Lani  - feeling overwhelmed with the festive. 

[BPDSurvivor]

Hi @cloudcore @Rhye @pisces_1 @Lani !

 Thanks for the tag! 

In the past, I really struggled at this time of year. My brain couldn't comprehend why everyone kept saying 'Merry Christmas' and 'Happy New Year' - I was neither merry nor happy. 

Upon reflection, I believe it was isolation which triggered it. Without the routine work/studies/commitments, I struggled tremendously. 

It wasn't a pleasant time at all. If anything, I grieved the loss of years due to my severe depression. It seemed to have eaten away my teenage hood and early adult hood. I was angry.

[Lani]

It's not living, it's existing. It's loss of life for me. I'm not the person I was 6 weeks ago. My mum passed way 6 weeks ago today. I'm feeling lonely even though I have lots of people around but I don't have my mum. My life stopped 6 weeks ago

[BPDSurvivor]

Oh @Lani ,

My sincere condolences. It sounds so understandably difficult at this time.

i really admire you for being able to reach out at this time. It takes a lot of courage.

Hugs,

BPDSurvivor

[MDT]

Good evening

[cloudcore]

Hi @Fluttershy1, it can definitely be an overwhelming time, here with you

[Fluttershy1]

@cloudcore - it triggers me a lot at this time of year. I just wanna cry or I will disassociate